Kitchen Upgrades: How to Choose a Sink That Improves Functionality and Adds Value
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in our home. We cook and prep meals multiple times a day, washing and cleaning dishes, organizing kitchen essentials, you name it. And one of the central hubs in the kitchen is the sink. It has a crucial role in our daily kitchen activities and highly impacts the overall functionality. So, it makes sense that we need a functional and reliable fixture that is there to make our everyday tasks a bit easier.
But the real question is “How do I choose a good quality kitchen sink?” Choosing the right fixture for your kitchen involves considering several factors, such as size, material, ease of maintenance, design, installation and longevity. It’s about optimizing practicality and convenience and also enhancing the visual appeal of the space. There is a wide selection of sinks to choose from and here is what you need to consider.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Kitchen Sink
Size and Configuration
The first thing to take a look at is the size of your kitchen and the countertop. This is a determining factor in choosing how large you want the fixture to be. There are various sizes of sinks and they vary in depth and the number of bowls. The fixture should fit seamlessly within the countertop and cabinet dimensions.
If your kitchen is relatively small or tight, search for a small single sink. Although smaller, they can still be highly functional as you safe space on the countertop. A larger space around the sink area can be of great value in improving practicality. You can always benefit from having a larger surface for your culinary activities. For improved functionality, you can also purchase a washbasin with an attached drainer.
If your kitchen is spacious enough and can accommodate larger washbowls, feel free to opt for a large or double sink. If you prefer washing your dishes by hand, then you can benefit from having double bowls. It helps you stay organized when cleaning the dishes and it’s less of a hassle than doing them in a single bowl. However, keep in mind that each bowl of the double basin will be relatively smaller than an entire bowl of a single sink.
Material
This is the crucial part of selecting basins for your kitchen. The choice of material can significantly affect the functionality and durability of the kitchen sink as well as the overall aesthetic appeal. It’s important to invest in a material that will last.
The two most used materials in the production of the basins are composite granite and stainless steel. Out of the two, stainless steel is the more affordable one, so it might be a more convenient option if you’re on a tight budget. When it comes to the stainless steel kitchen sink, there are different strengths and thicknesses. The level of strength and thickness of the material will affect the longevity of the basin and the resistance to scratches and stains.
Composite granite is also a highly favoured material among homeowners for reasons like resilience to scratches, stains and heat marks. Therefore they are suitable for heavy-duty use. They also exude a luxurious appearance and elevate the visual appeal of the kitchen. Because granite is a highly durable material, you’re investing in a life-long reliable kitchen fixture.
Style and Design
Besides functionality, style and design are important in how will the sink blend into your kitchen style. There are different shapes of kitchen basins and they range from the classic round, oval and square shape to some unique geometric designs. However, most homeowners opt for either a round, oval or square shape as they offer optimal functionality.
The choice of the sink shape will depend on the style and design of your kitchen and countertop. Your personal preference will also play a role in the selection of the shape. Whatever you choose, the washbasin should provide a seamless integration with the countertop to achieve your preferred style.
As for colours, most kitchen sinks come in black and white colour and classic stainless steel, although they also range in other various colours. While stainless steel is a timeless look and you can never go wrong with it, white and black also provide unique aesthetic value.
White provides a clean, minimalistic and contemporary look. It also creates a spacious illusion where the isn’t much room. You can also go bold with black to create a sleek and modern look. One of the major advantages of having a black kitchen sink is that it helps conceal stains, scratches and water spots.
Installation Method
The installation method options include under-mount, drop-in also known as top-mount or over-mount, flush mount and apron-front mount. However, the two most common installation methods are over-mount and under-mount.
An overmount or drop-in sink is mounted onto the countertop from above. It’s pretty easy to install and is compatible with various countertop materials. This installation provides good support and stability for the kitchen sink.
The under-mount installation means that the sink is installed underneath the countertop. As such, the installation provides a seamless transition between the fixture and the countertop surface. These basins offer subtle modern aesthetics and are typically paired with composite granite and marble countertops. Some models can be mounted in more than one way. For greater versatility, you can opt for a fixture that is suitable for an under-mount and over-mount installation.
Maintenance and Durability
Explore the durability and ease of maintenance of different materials. Choose a material that is easy to clean, and is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Also, some materials are designed to provide noise insulation and can have anti-condensation properties. These factors contribute to the longevity of the kitchen sink and add functional value.
